Newsroom

Building leaders boosts service

“Are you the one?” asks a well-known refrain in Kiwanis circles. You are—if you’re a Kiwanian. That’s the gist of a new attitude sweeping through the organization as Kiwanians embrace the challenge to help others—and themselves—develop leadership skills, making Kiwanis-family service greater and more far-reaching.

“Each of us, by joining Kiwanis, is a self-selected leader,” says Stan Soderstrom, Assistant Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, and Conventions. “Leaders in Kiwanis aren’t just the people who hold offices. Kiwanians are role models, leading by example and influencing others to follow their lead.”

Of course, club officers—and those at district and International levels—play crucial roles in leadership. To that end, leadership guides for club presidents, lieutenant governors, governors, and governors-elect are being updated to reflect their emerging roles.

“Traditionally,” Stan says, “these materials have been task-oriented—planning a budget, running a meeting, or recruiting members. Leadership is more than that, and these materials will elevate the roles of officers to include motivating and inspiring volunteers, managing time, building relationships with community leaders, and, of course, leading by example.

“Being a Kiwanis leader is a lifestyle not just a position.”